It’s pretty obvious that J.A. Happ has had a rough 2019 season. His ERA has spiked from 3.65 in 2018 to 5.10, his WHIP from 1.13 to 1.30 and his home runs from 27 to 32. Last year’s workhorse arm turned into a major liability, someone who stayed in the rotation only because other starters found themselves on the injured list. If not for that, a demotion probably would have been in order over the summer.
For much of the season, it would have been painful to suggest Happ has earned a spot on the postseason roster.